Modder builds silent HTPC in an N64 case

Building your own PC is pretty cool. Building your own PC in a of retro gaming gear? Even better. One master modder was not content with a run-of-the-mill case mod. He built a HTPC in the shell of an Nintendo 64. Not cool enough for you? It’s a hackintosh, too.

The modder, who goes by the handle Polvorito, found a used N64 console at a flea market for just 15€. The inside of the unit was a little dusty, but he was able to clear out all that obsolete hardware and make room for mounting a Zotac ION-ITX A-E mini-ITX motherboard. This is an Atom-based system with integrated Nvidia Ion graphics capable of some neat stuff, like 1080p video out.

This might seem like a sluggish choice for a new computer, especially a hackintosh. Plus OS X doesn’t even have native Atom support. But an HTPC doesn’t need to be incredibly powerful and Polvorito’s main concerns were heat and noise, making this an ideal choice. After mounting the board and cutting a custom plastic back panel cover, he tested just how well that Atom chip would run in the case.

Unfortunately, the CPU was still getting pretty toasty without proper airflow — upwards of 90°C. That’s dangerously hot for an Atom. He was forced to add a low-speed 70mm fan to the case. This got the CPU temperature down to 40°C. The rig also has 2GB of RAM, and a 30GB SSD (which is mounted to the top surface inside the console).

With victory in sight, Polvorito rigged up the original power and reset buttons to the pin headers on the motherboard. He actually had to build small 90° adapters for the wiring here because the N64’s buttons set directly on top of the RAM. The finishing touch was a white/gray paint job. It’s okay to be jealous.